An outdoor kitchen
It’s easier than ever to cook and eat outside in the style to which we’re accustomed inside
An outdoor kitchen is something many of us have dreamed of building into our backyard or pool area to amplify summertime entertaining. But creating a good one isn’t a weekend project. It requires planning and construction know-how to get it right, and a dash of personal style doesn’t go astray, either.
1 pick your purpose
The first step towards designing an outdoor kitchen is determining how it will be used. Are you looking for a secondary location to express your culinary expertise, or are you simply looking for a barbecue set-up, a place to smoke meats or even a spot for a wood-fired pizza oven? Once you know how the space will be used, you’ll know which appliances need to be integrated into the build. “Generally, an outdoor kitchen is smaller than an indoor kitchen, which means the layout needs to be functional,” says interior designer Lydia Maskiell of Launceston’s Lydia Maskiell Interiors. “Work to the kitchen triangle, especially for a straight kitchen layout or galley style, grouping cooking, prep and storage zones within easy reach.”
2 location selection
If you have an existing outdoor area, such as a porch, deck, verandah, pool house or alfresco dining space, it makes sense to build your outdoor kitchen into that already-used area. Another thing to consider is proximity to your indoor kitchen. If it’s close and there can be an easy transfer of food and ingredients, you may not need an outdoor refrigeration or prep zone. “Ideally, the best place for an outdoor kitchen is near your indoor one, and it’s nice to form a connection between the two by using both location and design choices,” says Lydia.
3 choose appliances wisely
Whether you’re looking at incorporating a barbecue, a pizza oven, a rotisserie, a smoker, teppanyaki plates or other, you’ll also need to plan the prep and storage zones, such as your benchtop, tapware, sink and outdoor refrigeration. “I often use the barbecue as a focal point for an inbuilt outdoor-kitchen design, but I also love the practicality and aesthetic of a domed concrete pizza oven that integrates into a concrete benchtop,” says Lydia. “A built-in bar fridge is another convenient appliance to have in an outdoor kitchen, as it’ll save you from constantly going back to the house.”
4 make it weatherproof
There’s no point investing in an alfresco cooking space if it can only be used when the sun is shining and the temperature is over 25 degrees. Ensure it has shelter from the elements by locating it beneath an existing overhang, or build a shelter specifically for the space.
Plan to incorporate a fire pit or outdoor heating so the kitchen can also be used in winter. Choose your cabinetry with the weather in mind, too. “Weather-proof cabinets work well in outdoor kitchens,” says Lydia, “as well as benchtop materials such as concrete, exterior tiles, outdoor stone and compact laminate.”
5 materials palette
Stainless steel is a robust, grease-resistant material suitable for outdoor use on benchtops, sinks and tapware, and it’s easy to clean. Avoid tiling outdoor benches or splashbacks if you live in a particularly cold climate (frost can cause tiles to crack) and opt for wet-area flooring options with slip-proof finishes. When it comes to benches, timber decking and paving, ensure they’re all treated with a grease-resistant sealant. “I tend to use sealed concrete or natural stone for benchtops as they’re low-maintenance and can handle weather exposure,” says Lydia.
“Tiled floors are a favourite for outdoor kitchen flooring and provide an opportunity to inject some colour and texture into a space – just pick a design specifically for outdoor use.”
6 control the lights
When it comes to functionality, lighting is key to a successful outdoor kitchen. Ensure there is task lighting that clearly illuminates the storage, prep, cooking and serving areas of the outdoor kitchen, and utilise ambient lighting for outdoor dining or seating areas. “Waterproof downlights are good for workspaces, while solar lights, candles or lanterns are great options for ambient lighting,” says Lydia. “Festoon lights are another good option, as they can span varying distances and evenly distribute light throughout your outdoor space.”
A good-quality music system will enhance your outdoor experience, says a Sonos spokesperson
What do you look for in the perfect outdoor speaker?
Aside from providing high-quality audio, the perfect outdoor speaker should be able to withstand the elements, so durability is key. You’ll also want a speaker with a high IP rating for water-resistance, allowing you to enjoy brilliant sound regardless of whether you’re splashing by the pool or barbecuing in the sun.
What’s the ideal summer set-up for outdoor entertaining?
That depends on your space. Priced at $649, the Sonos Move has a wall hook so you can easily bring great sound outside. If you’re in a large space and want double the sound, you can add an additional speaker and pair them. If you want to take your sound to the next level, you could also get outdoor Sonance speakers. As far as what you can listen to, Sonos has sound that’s compatible with all your favourite streaming services: Spotify, Apple Music and even Sonos-curated radio playlists.
If you only want to purchase one speaker, what should it be?
The Sonos Move has smart, adaptable sound, surprisingly deep bass and a wide sound pro ile, which means you’ll have great sound regardless of where it’s placed. Also, the battery allows for up to 10 hours of continuous play time on a single charge, so you can listen to your favourite music all day while entertaining — without interruption.